OT - Vacationing in the Outer Banks

[smells like fish]

Never been and want to take the family there this summer. We're not much for crowds, but since we have two young boys, 3 yrs and 5 months, we would like to go somewhere that will have families on the beach (kids to play with) and things to do in town (shopping, putt-putt etc).

For those that are familiar, where would you recommend?

[WHACKMASTER]

We have 3 houses there, PM for particulars. Very kid friendly except for the surf which can be very rough at times. Make sure you get a house with a pool

Jeff

[V.B. wells & irrigation]

Been a thousand times in my younger days. Piles of fun. Driving on the beach from S. Nags Head all of the way to The Point. Quiet and uncrowded too. Now, I think that most of the fun down there has been restricted. If you even flick a boogie out of the window, you're heading to Manteo to talk to the grouchy judge. If you're pulling anything with your vehicle, the registration must reflect what you're towing too. I heard that the man is big on that one. And, don't speed.

[MeOff]

I would stay in Avon. You're a little more out of the way there and you can drive to Nags Head or Hatteras depending on what you want to do. I would NOT stay in Nags Head unless you want TRAFFIC and lots of crazy drivers. We prefer Buxton; but it may be TOO LAID back for the kids. With Buxton if the seas get too big for the kids you can always go to the sound; "Canadian Cove"as it is called; is nice for little ones. You will find the further south you go the friendlier people get and the more laid back it gets. Have fun you will love it!

[Deep 6]

I grew up in NC and lived there after serving for USN. It has become a big touristy restricto-ramy drama beach. Between the life guards protecting you from yourself, to the special interest groups restricting access to beaches, its very sad.

[sunfish king]

I got a house north of Duck at my disposal for free and I don't even like to go anymore between June & end of August. Traffic is a bi#ch on Sat & Sun.
I do second that comment RE: going farther south towards Hatteras...traffic (once you get across the Currituck Bridge and past Nags Head) is a little less gnarly and folks are a little less anal-retentive.

[Capt. Jim Brincefield]

We live down here now (past 2.5 years) and absolutely love it. We make day trips to Nags Head, NC from our new home (45 mins door to door) but the best trip is Ocracoke Island. The beaches are fantastic there, with mild surf and soft sand - and best of all - not crowded. Fishing is excellent there. Prices are lower than northern OBX without the crowds and traffic.

[farm use]

End of September or early October is better than the summer. Not as many people, you can get a seat for dinner, and water is fine.

[hans jensen]

I few weeks ago I asked for suggestions on some MUST DO’s down in the Keys and got a great response, so I am just returning the favor! I hope this helps.

Our family (10 adults and 6kids) stays in Nags Head or South Nags Head every year.
Generally you will not have a problem with crowded beaches any where on the OBX. The fishing from the beach is slow in the summer so we try to stay in a house within walking distance of a pier. The morning and eveing bite are the best. The Nags Head Pier has a great little restaurant.

Here is a short list of Family MUST DO's:
1. Go down to Organ Inlet Fishing Center between 3-4PM any day to see what the charter boats caught.
2. If you have a 4x4 drive out to The Point and spend the day fishing or whatever.
3. Climb the dunes at Jockeys Ridge. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT do this between 10AM and 7PM. I would suggest a sunset climb. If you do go, use the State Park entrance. It is much easier for the kids.
4. Visit the NC aquarium in Manteo. The aquarium is cool but my 8 year old boy and 5 year old girl love the "shark tooth pit" out by the Sound. They spend at least 30 minutes digging for shark teeth. The teeth are very very small but they are in there.

Here is a short list of Fishing MUST DO's:
1. Charter a big boat if you have an extra $1800. I can give you the name of the best captain in the fleet. You can also sign up as a "walk-on" down at OI fishing center.
2. If you bring your own boat, fish the pilings of the Bonner Bridge during slack tide. Just jig a piece of crab or shrimp close to the bottom and you will hookup to all kinds of fish. Be careful when the big boats come in. They will pass by you at 25 feet and 25 knts.:eek:
3. Rent a kayak and fish around some of the wrecks that are close to shore (100-500 yards out). The dive shops and the internet will give you a map of where to find the wrecks.
4. Fish any pier at night.
4a. Tie 4-5 glow sticks together and drop them about 1 foot below the surface directly under where you’re fishing. Once you see the little fish swimming around the light drop a small to med. live croaker (striper bait) down and keep you eye on him.
4b. Hook a live small to med. croaker through the back and jig the pilings of the pier, again striper bait.
5. Go down to the South end of the Bonner Bridge at night and take a walk on the fishing pier connected to the bridge. Some guys will be out there with their generators used to power some high intensity lights that they lower to within 5 feet of the surface. You will be amazed at what you can see swimming under the lights.

One DO NOT DO is: Drink and Drive! Good advice anywhere but especially in OBX. Drinking on the beach is not a problem.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask or send me a B-mail.:yes:

[smells like fish]

Great advice fellas. Thanks You!

[Johns Addiction]

Another place to consider is Pirates Cove Yacht Club on the causeway to Manteo. I have had a place there for 4 years and love it. It is gated, has two pools, playground with rock climbing wall, tennis courts and fitness center. Tons of activities for the kids. Most properties have free docking for renters usually behind the house / condo. They also have a charter fleet that the kids can watch return with their catches.